It was close, and then it wasn’t.

Fort Stockton trailed 4-3 after 2 1/2 innings in their first game of the regular season on Tuesday against Presidio at home.

Then the Panthers took control of the contest and never looked back with an 11-run third inning that propelled them to a 16-4 victory in a five-inning contest due to mercy rule.

Diego Renteria, Devon Rodriguez, Antoine Garcia, Evian Castro, Jaydrien Ramirez, and Rodriguez each drove in runs during the inning. Dominic Bernal also recorded a hit in the frame.

Fort Stockton head coach Jeremy Valadez gave credit to his player for staying in the moment and locking in their focus at the plate and on the base paths in his team’s big third inning.

“It’s working pitch by pitch. That’s what our coaches preach all the time,” he said. “We got a lot of young players and after the first two innings went by, they felt comfortable and just kept working pitch by pitch.”

Felipe Sotelo took to the hill for the Panthers to start the game. Sotelo surrendered four runs on three hits over three inning and struck out six batters.

A.J. Garcia and Alex Williams also made pitching appearances and had nearly spotless outings. Each pitched one inning and struck out three batters apiece while allowing no runs.

The strikeout total between the three pitchers was 12 by the time Tuesday’s season-opener ended.

Fort Stockton finished the game with 12 hits.

Ramirez, Bernal, Castro, and Rodriguez all collected multiple hits for the Panther. Ramirez led team with a 3-for-3 effort at the plate.

Fort Stockton matched their effort on offense with an errorless night on defense. Ramirez had the most chances in the field with 12.

The Panthers tallied double-digit steals in the win with Rodriguez leading the way with four.

Fort Stockton’s next game will be Thursday, Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Comanche Classic in Fort Stockton.